Visa uncertainties in the United States are affecting the global technology workforce. A recent poll by Blind, an anonymous professional networking platform, indicates rising numbers of Indian professionals returning home. Yet this trend has not led to expanded employment options for tech workers in India.
Many respondents noted that major US technology firms benefit from the returns by growing their Global Capability Centres in India and recruiting seasoned staff at reduced compensation levels.
The poll of 1,276 verified professionals in India found that 53 percent observed reverse migration linked to visa issues. Specifically, 36 percent reported colleagues or applicants already back in India, and 17 percent knew individuals planning to relocate.
The pattern appeared strongest at large multinational technology employers. Fifty-seven percent of Amazon staff, 58 percent at Walmart and 55 percent at Uber said they had seen coworkers return from the United States. These firms are also expanding engineering and product teams via their Indian centres.
Despite the inflow of experienced talent and continued GCC growth, most respondents viewed the local job market as more competitive rather than improved. Fifty-one percent reported fewer openings in their fields over the past year, while only 26 percent noted an increase and 23 percent saw little change.
The findings point to a gap between GCC expansion and broader hiring. Many positions are reportedly filled by returning professionals with prior experience at the same multinationals, enabling firms to keep institutional knowledge while cutting costs.
A Google employee cited in the survey observed that average pay has decreased in recent months, with Indian salaries often around one-fifth of equivalent US levels. The arrangement provides visa stability for employees and lower expenses for employers.
Effects vary across roles. Among AI and machine learning engineers, 42 percent reported reduced opportunities, compared with 52 percent of software engineers, 54 percent of product managers and 56 percent in data and analytics. This highlights stronger demand for AI expertise amid slower hiring elsewhere.
Views on career impacts were mixed: 40 percent expected minimal effect, 24 percent anticipated direct competition for roles, 15 percent foresaw higher hiring standards, and 21 percent believed the returns could strengthen the sector long term.
The poll, conducted by Blind from June 16 to June 25, 2026, covered verified professionals in India across software engineering, product management, AI and machine learning, data and analytics, operations, design, research, finance and consulting.
